Guide to West Virginia Background Checks
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In West Virginia, employers may use pre-employment background checks to help verify candidate qualifications and make more informed hiring decisions. Understanding West Virginia's background check requirements and regulations can help employers comply with regulations while developing a more reliable workforce. Additionally, West Virginia residents may want to check their own criminal records to better understand what information might appear on their background check report.
Key takeaways:
- Employers conducting background checks in West Virginia should comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the federal FCRA.
- Checkr offers employers background check packages starting at $29.99, with many popular add-ons, such as driving records or employment verification.
- Individuals may also use Checkr to run personal background checks on themselves or others.
Why top West Virginia employers run background checks
West Virginia employers often run background checks to help make more informed hiring decisions, reduce organizational risk, and comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
1. Informed hiring decisions
By running a background check, West Virginia employers may learn more about a candidate's qualifications and help verify the information provided on a resume or application. The results of a West Virginia background check can help hiring managers determine whether a candidate is qualified for an open role.
2. Reduced risk
West Virginia background checks may also help employers mitigate risk. Informed hiring decisions can help promote a safer work environment and potentially protect customers and the general public. Running background checks can also help protect your business's reputation, demonstrating your commitment to selecting strong candidates and protecting the company’s assets.
3. Legal compliance
In West Virginia, certain employers may be legally required to conduct background checks under state law. Healthcare facilities, childcare providers, and other regulated industries may need to perform criminal background screenings when mandated by state or federal laws. Additionally, employers should comply with federal regulations such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when conducting background checks.
How to get background checks in West Virginia
For employment purposes
- Employers may request an official criminal record check through the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau (CIB), which uses fingerprinting to check state and FBI records.
- Checkr offers criminal background starting at $29.99, which may include SSN trace, sex offender registry search, global watchlist records search, and criminal records searches.
- Using Checkr may help streamline the hiring process, providing expedited and accurate results while helping your business comply with legal standards.
For personal use
- To run a background check on yourself, you may request your own criminal record information through the West Virginia State Police CIB.
- Running a personal background check with Checkr may help simplify and expedite the process, potentially showing you what might be reported on an employment background check.
- This proactive approach may allow you to anticipate potential questions or concerns and correct potential inaccuracies to be reflected on your Checkr report before applying for jobs.
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How long does a background check take in West Virginia?
How long a background check takes can vary from a few minutes to a few weeks depending on the type of screening, the scope of the search, and who is conducting the check. Tasks like contacting previous employers, requesting public records, or coordinating drug screenings can contribute to longer turnaround times, especially when done manually.
West Virginia employers and organizations often partner with a qualified CRA, like Checkr, to speed turnaround times and streamline the screening process. Our advanced technology reduces manual processes to deliver faster and more accurate background checks so you can hire and onboard candidates quicker. In fact, 89% of all criminal checks, including county searches, are complete in one hour.
Legal considerations for West Virginia employers
West Virginia employers should comply with federal, state, and local laws when conducting background checks. These regulations may include:
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how employers may order and consider information when performing background checks for hiring purposes.
- Adverse action processes may require employers to provide clear explanations for not hiring an individual based on background check results.
- West Virginia state laws may require that employers adhere to state-specific requirements when hiring individuals.
- Ban the Box laws may prohibit employers from inquiring about an individual's criminal history until later in the hiring process, such as after a conditional offer is made.
Get a West Virginia background check with Checkr
Screening candidates in West Virginia can be a straightforward process if your business uses the right tools. Checkr combines automated technology with compliance tools to provide quick, thorough background reports. Our platform helps cover the details of background checks so you can focus on hiring. Ready to streamline the background check process? Get started with Checkr today.
Disclaimer
The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.
